Hebridean Wildlife
White-tailed eagle soaring over North Uist
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Experience the unspoilt land and memorable wildlife of the Western Isles.
The unspoilt nature of the Inner and Outer Hebridean Islands offers some unique wildlife-watching experiences and this week-long self-drive holiday offers you the chance to enjoy Scottish wildlife in a beautiful, natural island environment.
You will spend three nights on the beautiful island of Mull, where you’ll have the chance to get closer to see eagles, otters, seals, minke whales and other native wildlife, with two trips included – a wildlife and whale-watching tour and a day’s wildlife safari. You then travel on via the Isle of Skye to the Outer Hebrides and the Uists, where, once again in the company of an expert local guide, you will seek out otters and birds including a wide range of birds of prey and seabirds, and explore the flora of the “machair”, the seaside meadows.
You start with a memorable ferry ride to Mull, from Oban, around two and a half hours from Glasgow. Stay on deck to enjoy the views of castles, lighthouses, and maybe even look for your first eagle.
Your accommodation on Mull
We have a choice of family run hotels and guest houses here – please advise your preference at time of enquiry:
Your first wildlife experience is a wildlife and whale watching tour. Minke whales and sharks, along with porpoise and dolphins, are regularly seen off Mull between April and September; a truly unforgettable thrill. This excursion is part of an active research programme contributing directly to marine conservation and organised with one of the most experienced companies in the UK.
On today’s wildlife safari your friendly and knowledgeable local guides Pam and Arthur know exactly where to go to find the best places to spot golden and white-tailed sea eagles, falcons, otters, seals and other indigenous island wildlife.
Today you leave Mull by a different route and cross through the area known as the “Rough Bounds” (Na Garbh Chriochan) following the coastal road through Ardnamurchan and Moidart, and on to the ferry port at Mallaig. This was once Europe’s busiest herring port and is still a fishing centre. Here you will catch another ferry to Skye.
Your accommodation on Skye
You will spend just one night on Skye, in one of our hand-picked small hotels, in a stunning coastal locations.
Cross by the morning or early afternoon ferry to North Uist and make your way to your hotel just outside Lochmaddy.
Your accommodation in North Uist
This former sporting lodge has been transformed into a small and comfortable privately run hotel. From the bedroom windows there are stunning views, with a stone circle in the foreground then over a sea loch to Ben Eaval and the Minch beyond. This is also a popular island restaurant, with cosy lounge bar and sitting room with peat fires. An ideal island retreat.
Today you will join your local wildlife guide. Though widely travelled, he is passionate about the wilds of Scotland and as well as birds, he is also an expert on otters, moths and butterflies, as well as wild flowers. No two days are the same; Steve will work with your own preferences and design a day which will maximise your sightings and also increase your knowledge of the natural history of the Outer Hebrides.
Day at leisure to enjoy the beaches and historical sites of the islands, and perhaps put into practice your new wildlife-spotting skills.
Your journey home starts returning to Skye by ferry, then to the mainland by the Skye bridge.
This holiday tours the wildlife hot spots of the isles of Mull, Skye and North Uist, in the Outer Hebrides.
Staying in Dervaig on Mull: £1145 per person for April and £1195 per person May to September
Staying in Tobermory or Glengorm Castle on Mull: £1225 per person for April and £1275 per person for May to September.
Price includes seven nights B&B in a double or twin room ensuite in small family-run hotels/ guest houses, a full day guided wildlife safari on Mull, a wildlife and whale watching trip from Mull, and a full day with our local wildlife guide on the Uists. The price also includes ferry crossings for car and passengers to/from Mull, to Skye and to/from North Uist. Return from Skye by the bridge.
Do note that this holiday is not suitable for children under 8. For children aged 8-11 we will substitute a four hour marine wildlife boat trip for the whale-watch. Child prices start from £465.
Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including full directions, recommended routes, and suggestions on places to visit depending on your interests and our local knowledge to help you get the most from your holiday. Included will be some information on the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust to help you learn more about their work in conserving whales, dolphins and porpoises in Western Scotland, along with how you can help their efforts with their “Whale Track” app and by visiting their discovery centre.
All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.
All our holiday prices include a service charge of £9 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.
We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.
A bewildered shaggy highland cow standing in the garden, peering through the glorious Scottish rain that was battering the cottage window: that was on...
It was a fantastic trip - everything we'd hoped for. Thank you so much for arranging such a fab holiday for us!Pat & Simon, Hertfordshire, England
Excellent itinerary and very detailed information and directions.Jo & Tony, Nottingham, England
Everything went like clockwork. All the wildlife experiences were excellent and very different. We had a wonderful time!Joan, Stockton-on-Tees, England
This holiday can be arranged from April to the end of September.
To check the latest availability for this holiday complete the form below or call us. We will respond to your availability check within one working day if at all possible. Please bear with us on this - we work with a hand-picked selection of smaller hotels, guest houses, and other independent businesses, ensuring that you have the chance to explore off the beaten track and really get under the skin of the destination.
Please note: All form fields are required unless otherwise stated optional.
